DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Israel on Monday handed over the bodies of 45 Palestinians, the Red Cross said, a day after militants returned the remains of three hostages. Israeli officials identified the three as troops who were killed in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that triggered the war.

The exchange marked another step forward for the tenuous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the two-year conflict - the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and militant Hamas group.

Since the truce took effect on Oct. 10, Palestinian militants have released the remains of 20 hostages, with eight now still remaining in Gaza.

For each Israeli hostage returned, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians. Monday's return brought the number of Palestinian bodies h

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